Italian farm group complains about Canadian durum

An Italian farm group is once again besmirching the reputation of imported Canadian durum.

Coldiretti contends that Canada, Turkey and Russia are taking turns flooding the Italian market with durum.

Coldiretti said durum imports increased by 28 per cent in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, which is causing local prices to collapse.

Canadian exports to Italy have doubled in that same period.

Italian farmers are getting almost $32 per tonne less for their durum than they were last year, despite a below average harvest.

The group noted that Canadian durum is treated with glyphosate before harvest, a practice that is prohibited in Italy.

Italy purchased 807,500 tonnes of Canadian durum during the first 11 months of 2024-25, up from 387,600 tonnes from the same time a year ago.